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For most NFL teams, the Philadelphia Eagles included, expectations begin changing the deeper the NFL draft progresses. Organizations hope first-round picks develop into Pro Bowlers, All-Pros and, if everything breaks right, future Hall of Famers. Second-round selections are often expected to contribute immediately.
The middle rounds are where championship rosters are built. They're where reliable starters are produced, and valuable role players are discovered. By the sixth and seventh rounds, however, the conversation changes. Teams are no longer searching for immediate contributors. They're looking for players who can stick.
The Philadelphia Eagles have spent years proving those expectations don't always apply. Jason Kelce worked his way into the Hall of Fame discussion after arriving as a sixth-round selection.
Trent Cole developed into one of the franchise's greatest pass rushers after hearing his name called in the fifth round. Jordan Mailata transformed from an Australian rugby player into one of the NFL's premier left tackles after being drafted in the seventh round. At the same time, Jalen Mills carved out a long career as a dependable starter after entering the league as another seventh-round pick.
Micah Morris would love to become the next exception. Every Day 3 pick enters training camp with something to prove. Few enter an organization that has invested more heavily in offensive line development than Philadelphia. Few have prior experience in sparring with what might be the league's best defensive tackle tandem. Morris was a collegiate teammate of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.
The Eagles don't simply fill out their roster with young offensive linemen. They actively develop them. That's how Mailata became one of the league's premier tackles. It's how Jason Kelce evolved into one of the greatest centers in franchise history.
More recently, Cam Jurgens successfully navigated the daunting task of replacing Kelce after years of preparation. That developmental philosophy gives every young offensive lineman a reason to believe an opportunity exists. Morris is no different.
At first glance, Morris appears to face an uphill battle. The Eagles return one of the NFL's premier offensive lines. At the same time, veteran Michael Jordan joins younger players such as Myles Hinton, Drew Kendall, Cameron Williams, Hollin Pierce, Jake Majors, Willie Lampkin and Jaeden Roberts in competing for valuable roster and practice squad spots.
Look a little closer, though, and Morris' path becomes easier to envision. Philadelphia has long valued carrying young offensive linemen capable of developing into future contributors. The organization also isn't afraid to keep multiple developmental linemen when it believes they're worthy of long-term investment. Morris doesn't necessarily have to outperform established starters. He has to convince the Eagles he's part of their next wave.
Training camp won't only evaluate Morris. It will also begin evaluating new offensive line coach Chris Kuper. Replacing Jeff Stoutland means more than coaching one of the NFL's best starting offensive lines. It means continuing one of football's most respected developmental programs.
Every rep Morris receives becomes an opportunity for both men. For Morris, it's a chance to prove he belongs in Philadelphia's long-term plans. For Kuper, it's one of the first opportunities to demonstrate that he can continue to transform raw talent into reliable NFL contributors.
History suggests late-round selections face difficult odds. History also suggests the Eagles aren't afraid to challenge conventional thinking. Philadelphia has repeatedly uncovered contributors long after many teams stopped expecting to find them. While comparing any rookie to Jason Kelce or Jordan Mailata would be unfair, their careers serve as reminders that draft position doesn't dictate a player's ceiling.
Micah Morris still has plenty to prove before he earns a regular-season role. Still, unlike many sixth-round selections around the league, he enters training camp with something just as valuable as talent. He enters with a legitimate opportunity.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Micah Morris could benefit from the Eagles’ proven OL development plan
Continue reading...
The middle rounds are where championship rosters are built. They're where reliable starters are produced, and valuable role players are discovered. By the sixth and seventh rounds, however, the conversation changes. Teams are no longer searching for immediate contributors. They're looking for players who can stick.
The Philadelphia Eagles have spent years proving those expectations don't always apply. Jason Kelce worked his way into the Hall of Fame discussion after arriving as a sixth-round selection.
Trent Cole developed into one of the franchise's greatest pass rushers after hearing his name called in the fifth round. Jordan Mailata transformed from an Australian rugby player into one of the NFL's premier left tackles after being drafted in the seventh round. At the same time, Jalen Mills carved out a long career as a dependable starter after entering the league as another seventh-round pick.
The Eagles' developmental pipeline changes the equation.
Micah Morris would love to become the next exception. Every Day 3 pick enters training camp with something to prove. Few enter an organization that has invested more heavily in offensive line development than Philadelphia. Few have prior experience in sparring with what might be the league's best defensive tackle tandem. Morris was a collegiate teammate of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.
The Eagles don't simply fill out their roster with young offensive linemen. They actively develop them. That's how Mailata became one of the league's premier tackles. It's how Jason Kelce evolved into one of the greatest centers in franchise history.
More recently, Cam Jurgens successfully navigated the daunting task of replacing Kelce after years of preparation. That developmental philosophy gives every young offensive lineman a reason to believe an opportunity exists. Morris is no different.
The depth chart may not be as crowded as it appears
At first glance, Morris appears to face an uphill battle. The Eagles return one of the NFL's premier offensive lines. At the same time, veteran Michael Jordan joins younger players such as Myles Hinton, Drew Kendall, Cameron Williams, Hollin Pierce, Jake Majors, Willie Lampkin and Jaeden Roberts in competing for valuable roster and practice squad spots.
Look a little closer, though, and Morris' path becomes easier to envision. Philadelphia has long valued carrying young offensive linemen capable of developing into future contributors. The organization also isn't afraid to keep multiple developmental linemen when it believes they're worthy of long-term investment. Morris doesn't necessarily have to outperform established starters. He has to convince the Eagles he's part of their next wave.
Chris Kuper's first opportunity to shape the future
Training camp won't only evaluate Morris. It will also begin evaluating new offensive line coach Chris Kuper. Replacing Jeff Stoutland means more than coaching one of the NFL's best starting offensive lines. It means continuing one of football's most respected developmental programs.
Every rep Morris receives becomes an opportunity for both men. For Morris, it's a chance to prove he belongs in Philadelphia's long-term plans. For Kuper, it's one of the first opportunities to demonstrate that he can continue to transform raw talent into reliable NFL contributors.
Draft position doesn't determine careers.
History suggests late-round selections face difficult odds. History also suggests the Eagles aren't afraid to challenge conventional thinking. Philadelphia has repeatedly uncovered contributors long after many teams stopped expecting to find them. While comparing any rookie to Jason Kelce or Jordan Mailata would be unfair, their careers serve as reminders that draft position doesn't dictate a player's ceiling.
Micah Morris still has plenty to prove before he earns a regular-season role. Still, unlike many sixth-round selections around the league, he enters training camp with something just as valuable as talent. He enters with a legitimate opportunity.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Micah Morris could benefit from the Eagles’ proven OL development plan
Continue reading...
